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ProblemsByVinFile / 2016-HYUNDAI-SONATANHTSA data synced 8 hours ago
2016 · Hyundai
Hyundai Sonata problems
712 owners have filed defect reports on this one. That's not a small number. 4 active recall campaigns on file.
Reliability score
6.0 / 10
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
4
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2016 Sonata?
Avoid — the electrical system
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced.
11 fire-related complaints on the engine
Electrical system: 73 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 48,000–106,000 mi
Steering: 33 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 28,000–86,000 mi
Reliability score 6.0/10 — around the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2016 Sonata· engine
My car is involved in the class action lawsuit because of engine failure and fire with my 2016 Hyandia Sonota. I have concerns with the above issue because of knocking in the engine and using 1 quart of oil every 400 miles. Hyandia extended the Power train settlement for life…
At stop sign to turn left, started and steering wheel would not turn. Felt like loss of power steering. Fortunately, no other cars around, I put gear in reverse to back up before hitting ditch on other side of road. I turned off car, restarted and wheel worked. Stopped on…
My 2016 Hyundai Sonata experienced a sudden engine failure while in operation with no prior warning lights or symptoms. The engine seized unexpectedly, creating a safety risk. This failure appears consistent with known engine defects affecting Hyundai Sonata vehicles of this…
My 2016 Hyundai Sonata is sitting at the Red Hoagland dealership in Winter Haven, FL after the engine started knocking. Rather than continue driving it and risk an accident with our 19-yr old child driving it, or risk worse damage to the engine, I had it towed to Red Hoagland…
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Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured March 28, 2016 through April 12, 2016
A frontal air bag that does not adequately protect the driver's neck may increase their risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 148.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 28, 2014, to August 21, 2015
If the driver is alerted there is a brake system malfunction, but not specifically with the ABS system, the driver may operate the vehicle unaware that the vehicle's brakes may lock up during hard braking, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected began on November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 134.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles manufactured December 8, 2014, to August 18, 2015, and Hyundai Sonata vehicles manufactured May 28, 2014, to March 18, 2016, equipped with the panoramic sunroof option
If the sunroof detaches from the vehicle it could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will repair the wind deflector anchor plate, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 152.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.0 out of 10 based on 712 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Hyundai Sonata has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2016 Hyundai Sonata?
On the NHTSA data, the 2016 Hyundai Sonata is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 11 fire-related complaints on the engine; Electrical system: 73 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 48,000–106,000 mi; Steering: 33 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 28,000–86,000 mi; Reliability score 6.0/10 — around the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2016 Hyundai Sonata?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 339 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 85,054 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 76,500 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Hyundai Sonata has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2016 Hyundai Sonata?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 712 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 8 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Hyundai/Sonata.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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